Absolute Chaos Discussion Boards
Fic Talk => General Discussion => Topic started by: MellzBellz on January 13, 2007, 09:40:30 AM
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I just need to vent a lil, plus I would like maybe to hear your thoughts or advice (although I'm not sure if there is any advice to really be given) on something that I just experienced and I'm feeling a lil I dunno... Not exactly hurt, but I guess more frustrated at my readers. I had just updated a chapter of UMS and to be honest it wasn't the most exciting chapter in the story, but not every chapter can be, right? Anyway one of my steady readers in her feedback goes Are you ever gong to write another sex scene? I mean I'll still read even if you don't, but I'd definitely like it. My story is prolly not even half over, so I'm sure there will definitely be a few more along the way. Now the reader who asked me this, I've read her stories and they start off promising, but then once the characters have sex that's all they do and there's no plot whatsoever anymore. And it's definitely not my style of writing a sex scene. Anyway my long winded point here is this... Are my readers JUST reading my story for the sex? Not like there's THAT much in there (one full scene and one kind of half one)but sometimes I feel like they're only reading to see if they "do it" and they're missing the plot.
Essentially I guess in a way UMS is a lot about sex, but the way it complicates things. At least that's the angle I've been taking lately. Yet, I don't want it to be all about that. Does that make sense? *sigh* I just feel frustrated.
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I think it's just THAT reader Mel. There are probably those who read and don't review that like your story just as it is. I'd ignore her comment and continue writing your story how you want and if you lose her as a reader, well, I don't think it's much of a loss.
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I can understand your frustration; that would annoy me too. But like Purpura said, I think you should just ignore her and write the story the way you want to write it. There's definitely a point where you can go overboard with the sex scenes - in my mind, less is more when it comes to those. If they further the plot or character/relationship development, then great, include them, but if they're just there for the sex and have no other point, then they're just taking up space. If that reader wants nothing but sex, she should read visuals - there's plenty of them out there. Don't feel like you have to turn your story into a massive visual just to please her.
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They're right, Mel... don't let that one reader get you down. It's dumb that there are people that only care about the sex (and in that case, my story's probably in trouble, too XD), but those are the kind of people that don't understand what writing's all about. Don't forget the number one rule as an author: write for yourself. :) If you end up catering to what the readers want, it's not your story anymore.
But this is another reason why I'm starting to get really tired of fan fiction... *sigh*
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I agree with everything said so far. You know I've always said that you ought to write for yourself, and as long as you're happy with it, that's what's important. :) Just ignore her question and write it your way. And anyway, sex for the sake of sex is just a cheap booty call. Do you want your story to be one big, cheap booty call or do you want your story to be the epitome of making love?
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Personally [though, I don't think I'm reading any of your fics at the moment - heh], I don't usually read the sex scenes. I'll read a bit of it, then skim through the rest of it until the point they're finished. I'm more into what else is going on in the story, rather than just the sex - though, I do sometimes cheer when the people I want to hook up finally do so. But don't let just one person make you feel bad or feel like you have to write more sex scenes. Write what YOU want & your reads will either love it or hate it - but write mostly for you, & not them.
What is with all the crazy/upsetting reviews lately???
~Lenni~
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I don't think I've ever had that kind of review, but like everyone else has said... ignore that one reader. If sex scenes are all she's looking for... there are plenty of vizzies out there with her name on it. You write for the sake of writing, not to please everyone. Do it for you.
There's something up with a few readers lately. They've been flaming and being downright rude about it.
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I don't think I've ever had that kind of review, but like everyone else has said... ignore that one reader. If sex scenes are all she's looking for... there are plenty of vizzies out there with her name on it. You write for the sake of writing, not to please everyone. Do it for you.
There's something up with a few readers lately. They've been flaming and being downright rude about it.
There has been, which has made me a bit iffy on posting one of my darker fics LOL.
But as the others said. Write for yourself, thats what matters. If they want nothing but sex they can get it elsewhere.
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I don't think I've ever had that kind of review, but like everyone else has said... ignore that one reader. If sex scenes are all she's looking for... there are plenty of vizzies out there with her name on it. You write for the sake of writing, not to please everyone. Do it for you.
There's something up with a few readers lately. They've been flaming and being downright rude about it.
People have been flaming you? Please let us know the next time that happens. You shouldn't be getting flamed by anyone on AC! Ugh! That annoys me!!
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OKay I am playing devil's advocate at the moment. I just went and read what that girl said to you Mel and I honestly don't think she meant it in a bad way at all. It seemed like an innocent question. I just think sometimes the readers get so into the story that they kind of just start picturing things they want it to be in their heads. If nothing else that's just a huge compliment to you as a writer. And I guess your sex scenes rock! lol
I thought your reply to her was excellent. :)
And like everyone else said, as long as you are writing for you just nod and grin and move on lol I have a feeling no matter what you write, that girl will still read it.
And Rose, post your story! When it gets to the point that we are afriad to post because of what people might say, it sucks the fun out or writing. lol
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There has been, which has made me a bit iffy on posting one of my darker fics LOL.
But as the others said. Write for yourself, thats what matters. If they want nothing but sex they can get it elsewhere.
I haven't been getting any reviews like that... oh wait I don't get reviews past the "nice update" ;-D
I can understand constructive criticism, but yeah being downright rude, whatever.
Post your darker fic, if you upset your old readers they can read your other stories, but you might get new readers for posting it. PLUS I think some fans really like to see different things from their authors. (I mean don't we like different kinds of stuff from the boys?)
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People have been flaming you? Please let us know the next time that happens. You shouldn't be getting flamed by anyone on AC! Ugh! That annoys me!!
Ohhh no, no, no. I have never been flamed. Boy, that sounded conceited. But it's true! Haha. Seriously though, my friend Ashley (Forever Rebel) got a mean review. I guess it's a flame. The reader said "Wow, you suck" and only rated her a two. Ashley's sensitive, so of course it upset her. I just hate people who purposely do that. As writers, we all expect criticism, but not like that.
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Ohhh no, no, no. I have never been flamed. Boy, that sounded conceited. But it's true! Haha. Seriously though, my friend Ashley (Forever Rebel) got a mean review. I guess it's a flame. The reader said "Wow, you suck" and only rated her a two. Ashley's sensitive, so of course it upset her. I just hate people who purposely do that. As writers, we all expect criticism, but not like that.
OMG that is sooo rude! Was this recent?
I'm going to look now. I have no patience for rude people lol
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OMG that is sooo rude! Was this recent?
I'm going to look now. I have no patience for rude people lol
Yeah, it just happened a couple of days ago. It's for her fic No Matter What. She's a good author and she's improving everyday. Rude reviews like that aren't constructive.
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Yeah, it just happened a couple of days ago. It's for her fic No Matter What. She's a good author and she's improving everyday. Rude reviews like that aren't constructive.
I saw it and deleted it. You're right it's okay when it comes to constructive criticism but when people get downright mean, that's crossing the line. Of course this person also was anonymous so there was no way to trace who it was. Chickens! If you are going to flame someone have the guts to at least let them address you personally!
Thanks for letting me know. :)
I hope Ashley doesn't mind that I deleted the post.
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I saw it and deleted it. You're right it's okay when it comes to constructive criticism but when people get downright mean, that's crossing the line. Of course this person also was anonymous so there was no way to trace who it was. Chickens! If you are going to flame someone have the guts to at least let them address you personally!
Thanks for letting me know. :)
I hope Ashley doesn't mind that I deleted the post.
Nah, I don't think she'll mind. If it's not there, she won't constantly look at it and wonder about her talent as a writer and such.
I know, I completely agree. If you're going to put someone down like that and you go anonymous, that's just cowardly.
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OmG I can't believe someone would actually write something like that! I mean yea I guess we've all read something and in our mind said This sucks, but I'd never just flat out leave feedback. I always try to say at least ONE positive thing even if I have to search a little.
Thanks for all your replies. You are all right. I guess I did overreact a lil bit, but I just get annoyed when people refuse to see the bigger picture. Of course I'm not going to change my story or anything. Ironically, I did have a sex scene planned for this chapter. *shrugs* I'm gonna just write and see what I get. I just don't want it to look like I wrote it per her request. Anyway thanks. It was good to hear everyones opinons on the matter.
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That's terrible that people have been getting flamed. I never give feedback if I can't find something positive to say because if there's NOTHING I like about the story, I just stop reading, period LOL. If I've read enough to send feedback, then there's got to be something good I can say, even if it's not the most amazing thing I've ever read. I think more people should follow the Thumper rule... if you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all LOL. That's not to say don't ever post criticism, but if it's not constructive, and there's nothing positive along with the criticism, what's the point? If you hate the story so much that there's nothing good about it and nothing that could make it better, in your mind, move on and find something else to review. The flaming is just immature.
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I've left harsh comments in the past but merely in the sense of constructive criticism, something for the writer to improve on, and adding more sex won't necessarily improve the story unless the writer thinks it will. It doesn't make the fic (unless it's a visual or just straight up porn lol), it's just part of all the components that bring it together. I read your stuff Mel and I don't have a problem :P Though I find more often than not in my own fics I delete the sex scenes after I write them because I find them frivolous and unnecessary in some plots. If it doesn't help development, I dun need it!
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Flaming is immature. I can't believe people stoop to that level. :(
And, like Julie, if I dislike the story and can't find anything nice to say, I just stop reading. It's that simple.
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I helped ForeverRebel get her stars back up - *snickers* Nobody messes with her stars! Lol. She defends me & it was my turn to defend her. And thanks for deleting that for her Mare!
~Lenni~
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I agree with everyone. I know when I read soemthing and I am not enjoying it, I stop reading it. If someone asks me to read it for them or for my own group and I don't really have the luxury of not saying anything, I always say something positive before offering something constructive. I just think it helps authors not feel attacked. Because as much as we all say we enjoy constructive criticism, I think the way it's given has a ton to do with how we take it.
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I have a tough skin, so totally blatant criticism doesn't bother me much, when it's constructive, of course. But I agree that if you offer equal amounts of con crit and praise, it's better than just saying how it only needed improvement. Of course, I think con crit is supposed to be just that half criticism, half praise. :)
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I'm not sure if I've ever had a bad review but I know that I haven't written one either. Although I do constructively criticize but not to the point of being mean. I don't mind constructive criticism unless it's with plot. Then I'm like ok plot suggestions are good but unless it would really flow with my story then uh no I won't use it. For instance Mel imed me the other day and we got to talking about fics and she gave me an AWESOME plot suggestion that actually ties things from earlier together and resolves a present conflict.
I like constructively working with other authors just because it's good to bounce ideas off each other.
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Well, I don't think a reader should tell you as an author how a plot should end up.
Though, being pointed out plot holes is nice. Like if they have a question that has no way of getting answered, either because the story is finished or because it won't be covered in the sequel, it's nice to hear that there's somethign they were still curious about that can't be tied up in the end and ought to be addressed. :)
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Very true I agree!
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I used to be very much a fan fic snob (I'll admit it lol) And to a certain extent I still am. I'm VERY nit picky, so the littlest, dumbest thing can make me put a fic aside and not finish it. But as of lately I've learned that just by speaking with the author and seeing where they are coming from, you can appreciate their work a lot more. Granted, it might not be my cup of tea or how I would write it, but is that such a bad thing? Variety is the spice of life right?
For instance let's take Pandora's Box, Dee. Honestly if I didn't know you and picked up PBox I would be like uhmm wtf? I've mentioned more than once that fantasy is not exactly my favorite genre, so I ask a lot of dumb questions, but I've learned to appreciate it. Can I say that I'm a fan of fantasy now? Not really and I'm not running out to write my own fantasy story, but I respect it now. I see how much effort it takes.
Point is that I feel like you can learn from other writers. Maybe you're superior to them in one area, but usually there's another area that you wish you could be as amazing as them in. That's why I really enjoy talking to other writers on ims and beng idea buddies. You're pulling together to hep make each other the best writers possible. Its like you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
What I can't stand though is when someone comes to you with a plot thats hit the wall and asks what should happen next? They themselves have no clue where the story is going. I can only help if you at least have SOME ideas. Otherwise well I may as well just call your story my own.
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You're you right Mel. I totally commend you for that.
I have always been a fan of getting the input of fellow authors. There was a chapter in PBox, since I know it best, and we're on that subject. ;) Anyway... There was a chapter, Kevin's battle scene, since you know how that all goes down. And for the life of me, I couldn't decide what to make Kevin's attack powers be, since his demonic powers are, more or less a defensive power. So I asked one of my writing friends and her idea was just amazing, so I totally used it.
It's so nice having people around that you can bounce ideas off of and such. :)
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I agree about the bouncing ideas off of each other. I don't know what i'd do without Mersey and Maria. I pretty much run everything by them before I post anything up. Sometimes it stays as is and sometimes it changes a thousand different times. I really trust their judgement though so in the end, what they think carries a lot of clout for me.